Newsletter

ST. AUGUSTINE FALL EVENTS (Oct. 17-30)

HALLOWEEN SPOOKFEST & HAUNTED HOUSE

Daily and Oct. 30-31: Walk through the graveyard daily in October, and enjoy a haunted house on Oct. 30-31 at a private residence located at 364 Venetian Blvd., from U.S. 1 North. Admission is free. Call Debbie at 377-2983.

CORN MAZE

Friday-Sunday through Oct. 30: Sykes and Cooper Farms will offer a corn maze again, along with hay rides, a real pumpkin patch in Elkton, children’s activities, farm animals and more. The maze will be open today through Oct. 30. Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Cost is $8 per person for ages 3 and older, with ages 2 and younger admitted free. The farm is 10 miles west of St. Augustine on State Road 207. Call 692-1370, 692-1084, or go to www.sycofarms.com.

ARNOLD’S RE-OPENING

Oct. 17 and Oct. 19: Arnold’s Bar, 3912 North Ponce De Leon Blvd., is re-opening after renovations due to a fire in May. A soft opening will be Oct. 17, with live music by the band Cloud 9 from 7 to 11 p.m. On Oct. 21, the band Smokin’ Mirrors will perform, with The Restless Kind on stage Oct. 22. The official grand opening celebration will begin at 8 p.m. Nov. 4 and will include live music by The Red River Band, games, giveaways and more. Call 824-8738.

SCREENWRITER PRESENTATION

Oct. 19: Screenwriter Khris Baxter will visit Flagler College in October to work with screenwriting students and deliver a presentation titled, “Don’t Let the Truth Get in the Way of a Good Story: Telling Compelling Stories in Non-Fiction Television.” The presentation will be held at 7 p.m. in the Gamache-Koger Theater, 50 Sevilla St., downtown St. Augustine Baxter is a screenwriter, producer, teacher and story consultant. The event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign language interpreters available upon request. Call 819-6282 or go to www.flagler.edu/our-community for more information.

NOCATEE FRIDAY NIGHT FLICK

Oct. 21: “Shrek Forever Afte” will be on screen at 7:30 p.m. in the market field adjacent to Splash Water Park in the community of Nocatee near Ponte Vedra Beach. From St. Augustine, take U.S. 1 North to County Road 210 East/Nocatee Parkway. Admission is free. Go to nocatee.com for more details.

VIDEO GAMING CONVENTION

Oct. 21-23: The EXP Con Year IV (Convention) is a weekend long all ages event to be held at the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village’s St. Johns County Convention Center, 500 S. Legacy Trail, St. Augustine. The main purpose of EXP Con is to celebrate and promote American and Japanese video gaming. Japanese animation, also known as anime or manga, are Japanese graphic novels, used to create characters for the games. For event information, go to www.expcon.org.

THIRD ANNUAL STAMP OUT BREASTCANCER

Oct. 22: Old City Stampers and Claire’s Collectibles Fun Rubber Stamps will sponsoring the Third Annual Stamp Out Breast Cancer from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Claire’s Collectibles, 78-A San Marco Ave. Suggested donation of $5 to create a handmade stamped card to take home. Instructors will teach their favorite designs each hour. All proceeds will go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer Research. In addition to the donations for the cardmaking, Claire Bishop of Claire’s Collectibles will donate 10-percent of sales for the day to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. There will be door prize drawings every hour. Call 825-1122.

NOCATEE FAMILY PUMPKIN CARVING

Oct. 23: A family pumpkin carving event will be from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Splash Water Park in the community of Nocatee near Ponte Vedra Beach. From St. Augustine, take U.S. 1 North to County Road 210 East/Nocatee Parkway. Go to nocatee.com for more details.

WHITNEY LAB GOES CAJUN

Oct. 22: The vehicle the Whitney Lab uses to transport marine animals to the local schools for our the Traveling Zoo program is showing its age and slowly rusting away after hauling saltwater-filled containers around the surrounding four counties for the past seven years. Funds will be raised to purchase and outfit a replacement vehicle during a lively, fun-filled evening of Cajun food, zydeco music and dancing (with instructors) and a silent auction of unique, experience-type items. The event will run from 6 to 10 p.m. at The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, in Marineland. Cost is $100 per person ($70 of each ticket is tax deductible). For reservations, contact Dr. Kim Epley at epleyk@ufl.edu or 461-4051. For more details, go to www.whitney.ufl.edu.

SHORES FALL FESTIVAL

Oct. 22: The annual fall festival will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. at Shores United Methodist Church, 724 Shores Blvd., near Hartley Elementary. This fun family event will feature games, hayrides, food, face painting and fellowship for the young and the young-at-heart. Admission is free. Call 797-4416.

LEGENDS ON THE GREEN

Oct. 22: Legends on the Green, an elegant show of British cars presented by the Jaguar Car Club of North Florida, will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at World Golf Village. The event is free and open to the public. The car show will feature a Jaguar Club of North America (JCNA)-sanctioned Jaguar Concours and is open to all classic, contemporary and exotic British cars. The cars will be displayed along the Walk of Champions, located outside the World Golf Hall of Fame at World Golf Village. For more information, go to www.jcna.com.

BIRD ISLAND PARK PUMPKIN STROLL

Oct. 22: A pumpkin stroll for the young at heart will be from 3 to 5 p.m. at Bird Island Park behind the Ponte Vedra branch library, 101 Library Blvd., from A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach. The event is free. Go to www.birdislandpark.com or call 285-5698.

5K HEALTH & FUN FAIR

Oct. 22: The University of St. Augustine will host the 12th Annual University of St. Augustine 5K Run/Walk Health & Fun Fair from 8 to 11 a.m. at the campus, 1 University Blvd., next to Flagler Hospital. The 5K run/walk begins at 8 a.m., followed by a fun fair that includes free cholesterol/blood pressure checks, and health fair booths for First Coast Rehab, skin cancer awareness, nutrition, wellness, Physical/Occupational Therapy and Flagler Family Medicine. In addition, the fair will offer bounce houses, a large fun slide, an obstacle course, face painting, Sparky’s balloon art, Mr. Biggs, super-hero appearances, fire trucks, life guard and beach safety, music and free food. All proceeds will go to Salvation Army of St. Augustine. To register for the 5K, go to www.usa.edu and click on “all events” for registration forms and additional information. Call 826-0084.

HOOTS N HOWLS

Oct. 22: The Second Annual Hoots N Howls will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Francis Field, 29 W. Castillo Drive. Hosted by Watson Cares and Animal Canopy of Care, the event will benefit all St. Johns County animal organizations (Cause for Paws, Goliath & Bebe’s World, HAWKE Wildlie, Diamons in the Rough Farm, Wags and Whiskers, Help Four Paws, SPIN, and Island Cat Feral Rescue. Live music will be provided by Captain Hook, Lonesome Bert and the Skinny Lizards, Peguin Teeth and Seaweed. The event also will feature a pet fashion show, face painting, pet behavioral and agility training, a dunk tank, a petting zoo, food and drinks, a kissing booth, pet photography, a dog wash, K-( Good Citizen training, a Sheriff’s K-9 dog, a bounce house, and more. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for children 12 and younger, and free for pets.

HALLOWEEN DINNER-DANCE

Oct. 22: Women of the Moose 1101 will host a Halloween Dinner-Dance from 6 to 11 p.m. at the St. Augustine South Clubhouse, 709 Royal Road, from U.S. 1 South. Dinner will be served from 6 to 7 p.m., with dancing from 7 to 11 p.m. Music is provided by the Double Trouble Band. Cost is $15 per person and $25 per couple. Costumes are optional. B.Y.O.B. and mixers, with cups and ice provided. Call 794-5129 or 687-6357.

FORT MENENDEZ ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL

Oct. 22-23: Fort Menendez will host the annual fall festival from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day in the Old Florida Museum, 259 San Marco Ave. Admission to the festival is included with the cost of the museum ticket. Booths at the event will be run by our local schools with a variety of activities for young and old. All profits generated at the booths and a portion of museum admission sales will be given to the schools who participate. Call 824-8874 or go to www.fortmenendez.com.

OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL HARVEST FESTIVAL

Oct. 23: A Harvest Festival will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, 5950 State Road 16, St. Augustine. The event will feature a pumpkin patch, hay rides, children’s games, a General Store, food and music. Proceeds will benefit the church. Call 824-8688 or go to www.olgc-church.org.

CLASSICAL CONCERT

Oct. 25: Serafini Brillante Trio (soprano,trumpet and piano) will give a free concert at 6:30 p.m. in the the Ponte Vedra Branch Library, 101 Library Blvd., from A1A North, in Ponte Vedra Beach. Doors open at 6 p.m. Admission is free. Call 285-5037 for more information.

BRATINI BREAST CANCER FUNDRAISER

Oct. 27: The St. Augustine Regional (StAR) Council will host a Bratini event from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Serenata Beach Club, 3175 South Ponte Vedra Blvd., South Ponte Vedra Beach. In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this annual event will benefit the StAR Council and a local non-profit organization, Artbreakers. The event will include an auction of uniquely decorated bras modeled by local business men and community leaders. In addition, $5 martinis, heavy hors d’oeuvres, silent and Chinese auctions will be offered. This year’s guest auctioneer will be Cathy Brown, Executive Director for the Council on Aging. Call Bratini Chair Diane Vespucci at 347-3957 or StAR President Barbara Jenness at 9823-0027.

DRACULA

Oct. 27-30: ™Dracula,∫ the vampire play by Hamilton Deane & John L. Balderston, will opening the new season for the River City Player's in Palatka. This classic horror thriller will open on the stage of the Scarlett-Hill Theater, 216 Reid St., Palatka. Performances will be at 8 p.m. Oct. 27-29, with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee on Oct. 30. Thursday night is pay what you can night, with tickets for this performance only available at the door beginning 30 minutes before curtain time. Admission for other performances is $10 for adults, and $5 for youth. Tickets may be reserved by calling 386-336-1926. Remaining tickets for each performance will go on sale at the door beginning 30 minutes prior to curtain time. Seating is unreserved. Go to www.rivercityis.us.

ONE-MAN FLAGLER SHOW

Oct. 28: “Wild Dreams — Discovering Henry M. Flagler” will be on stage during a one-man show at 7 p.m. in the Pioneer Barn at the Old Florida Museum, 259 San Marco Ave. The show tells the story of self-made millionaire Henry Flagler — from how he created Standard Oil to his three marriages. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person. Call 824-8874.

NOCATEE HALLOWEEN PARTY & FRIDAY FLICK

Oct. 28: A community halloween party will be from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Splash Water Park in the community of Nocatee near Ponte Vedra Beach. At 7:30 p.m., “Pirates of the Caribbean, On Stranger Tides” will be on screen in the market field adjacent to Splash Water Park. Admission is free. From St. Augustine, take U.S. 1 North to County Road 210 East/Nocatee Parkway. Go to nocatee.com for more details.

DINNER FOR THE BIRDS

Oct. 28: The 14th Annual Dinnner for the Birds will begin at 7 p.m. in Raintree Restaurant, 102 San Marco Ave., uptown St. Augustine. Proceeds will benefit the Humane Association of Wildlife Care and Education (HAWKE). The menu includes chilled lobster gazpacho soup, mixed baby green salad with walnuts and raspberry vinaigrette, beef roulade, with a vegetarian entree available with advance notice, cappuccino ice cream crepe, tea and coffee. Cost is $65 for HAWKE members, $70 for non-members. For reservations, call 692-1777 or pay online at www.hawkewildlife.org.

HIP-HOP AND HEAVY METAL MUSIC

Oct. 28: Final Friday’s at Johnny’s, 3009 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd., will feature local hip-hop and have metal music for ages 18 and older. The music will begin at 10 p.m. just after Jackie Knight’s comedy shows.

ST. AMBROSE HALLOWEEN PARTY

Oct. 28: A spooktacular Halloween party will be from 6 to 9 p.m. at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 6070 Church Road, Elkton. Children and families can enjoy Halloween movies, hay rides, a haunted house, hamburger and hot dog dinners, a costume contest with prizes from childrena and adults (judging begins at 7:30 p.m.), apple bobbing, and treats. Call 692-1366.

4TH ANNUAL ST. AUGUSTINE PIRATE GATHERING

Oct. 28-30: The 4th Annual St. Augustine Pirate Gathering will be held at Francis Field, 29 W. Castillo Drive, in downtown St. Augustine. Historians, re-enactors and “casual” pirates will be celebrating the Golden Age of Piracy. Visitors are encouraged to dress as pirates and join the krewe of the Black Heart and Ancient City Privateers in weapons demonstrations, sailor’s encampment and a pirate mutiny. The fun also includes a Thieves Market, stories of the high seas and a Matey’s play area for the little ones. In addition, a Pirate Pub Crawl will be from 7 to 11 p.m. Oct. 28, a Privateers Parade will begin at 11 a.m. Oct. 29, a Pirate Land Battle in front of Ann O’Malley’s Irish Pub at 12:30 p.m. on Orange Street, and fun and games from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Field, and other activities including a Buccaneer Bash and events with St. Augustine’s Royal Family. Admission is $2 per person (A Buck-An-Ear). For more details, go to www.pirategathering.com.

COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA CONCERT

Oct. 28 and Oct. 30: St. Augustine Community Orchestra will begins its 2011-12 concert season with “Greatest Hits by Great Composers,” featuring music by Rossini, Beethoven and Bizet. The first concert will start at 8 p.m. Oct. 28 in Lightner Museum, 25 Granada St.; with a second concert to follow at 3 p.m. Oct. 30 in Ponte Vedra United Methodist Church, 76 S. Roscoe Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach. Tickets are $10 at the door. Go to staugustineorchestra.org.

MAYHEM ON THE MATANZAS MURDER MYSTERY

Oct. 30: A murder mystery dinner fundraiser, Mayhem on the Matanzas, will be from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at River House, 179 Marine St. Experience a mystery as it unfolds and have a chance to solve the crime. This is custom written for the Council on Aging as a benefit, with a guest appearance by Mayor Joe Boles. Cost is $65 and includes a three-course dinner catered by La Cocina Restaurant. Proceeds will benefit the Council on Aging Sunshine Fund. For reservations, call 209-3646. Space is limited.

ANCIENT CITY POETS

Oct. 30: The Ancient City Poets will gather from 3 to 5 p.m. at Gifts for Living, 215 West King St. The theme for the poetry reading will be: The masks we wear. In keeping with the Halloween season, costumes are welcome. A sign-up sheet will be available 15 minutes before start time for anyone who would like to share original poems or something from a favorite poet. The event is free and open to all. Call host Chris Bodor at 501-0043 or find the group on facebook.

FULLERWOOD BLOCK PARTY

Oct. 30: The fifth annual Fullerwood Block Party will be from 3 to 7 p.m. in the triangle hear the end of East Park, where Rainey and Bayview intersect. Neighbors should bring a dish to shar, items to grill, lawn chairs, drinks, and plates, cups and utensils for their family. Organizers will provide a charcoal grill, condiments and live entertainment. A parade and children’s activities will be from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. For event information, call Bill Leary at 827-0280. For entertainment questions, call Chris Clark at 377-5200. A rain date is set from 2 to 6 p.m. Nov. 6.